Homeowners invest in security cameras to deter criminal behavior and burglaries, whether premeditated or a crime of opportunity. In addition to peace of mind, security cameras provide pieces of evidence necessary for prosecution. Technological advancement has resulted in advanced CCTV systems with high-tech features, notably night vision, motion detection, Internet Protocol (IP), remote accessibility, and Pan, Tilt, and Zoom. Night vision cameras have taken surveillance to a new level because of the ability to capture images in low lighting conditions through these methods.
Low-Light Imaging
Night vision security cameras use infrared vision technology to identify people within 20 meters and have a visibility range of approximately 50 meters at night. However, during the day, an infrared cut-off filter helps ensure the cameras capture quality images by filtering out mid-infrared wavelengths. Night vision cameras can produce images in low-light conditions through the help of an image intensifier that amplifies available light but requires expert security camera system installation. A night vision camera has an objective lens that focuses available light into the photocathode, a photosensitive material that emits electrons. The emitted electrons are responsible for intensifying the lighting of the original image. Since night vision security cameras that use low-light images are less expensive than their counterparts, they are ideal for residential use.
Thermal Imaging
Night vision security cameras that use thermal imaging rely on temperature rather than light sources to produce images. The working principle is that objects radiate infrared energy due to temperature. The radiated infrared energy from hot objects is directed on a special lens and scanned by a phased array of infrared detectors to create thermal images. The thermal images are usually from detailed temperature patterns (thermogram) created by the detectors. Even though thermal imaging helps capture visible images at night, their use for security purposes doesn’t compare with low-light imaging cameras. Commonly, thermal imaging security cameras are used to take the temperature of multiple people simultaneously. Nonetheless, accurate security camera system installation that uses thermal imaging guarantees quality images.
Infrared Illumination
Advanced CCTV systems utilize infrared illumination and motion detectors for efficient nighttime surveillance. The security camera system installation is designed to light up and capture images when motion is detected. Since infrared illumination is only triggered by motion, this night vision security camera is energy-saving. Night vision security cameras that use infrared illumination are also fitted with LEDs lights which guarantee excellent quality of black and white videos and images. Like low-light imaging cameras, infrared illumination cameras are fitted with a cut-out filter to block infrared light during the day. Infrared illumination cameras are ideal for outdoor home surveillance. This is something to consider, as many of them are used in an outdoor setting.
Night vision security cameras are fast gaining popularity because of their ability to capture quality images and videos round-the-clock. Installing night vision security cameras will help deter criminal behavior and keep your home safe and secure. Nonetheless, you need to ensure that the night vision security camera uses the most suitable method to capture images during nighttime.
Hannah Whittenly is a freelance writer and mother of two from Sacramento, CA. She enjoys kayaking and reading books by the lake.rn
